help a newbie please

gunfixrjoe

gunfixrjoe

Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Messages
2,553
Hello there. Wanting to buy my first DE. After reviewing all of the posts here and a little online searching, I have decided to get a Merkur, but not sure which model. So, is there any model to definitely NOT buy?
 
Pretty much any of them will do, but stay away from the slants and the Vision till you get a few months shaves in and have your technique down. Both can be very aggressive and rough on you, showing every little flaw in your technique with blood and raw skin.

you could enter the GAW and maybe snag a Feather All Stainless for free, right now there are only 2 of us entered.
 
Vision has a reputation as being difficult.

I started with, use to this day, and love my Futur.

Some people say that beginners should avoid adjustables. Pish posh! Start out and two and you'll be dialed in within the first few shaves. It's no big deal.
 
What Merkur adjustable do you recommend? Looking for an inexpensive start up. Futor is a little pricy.
 
gunfixrjoe said:
What do you mean by slants? Complete newb here.
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There are a few "slant" models that Merkur makes. Basically, the head is made so that when you put the blade in, the blade has a certain "twist" or "slant" to it. It's supposed to give the blade a motion that helps you get a closer/better shave during your passes.
 
gunfixrjoe said:
What Merkur adjustable do you recommend? Looking for an inexpensive start up. Futor is a little pricy.
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Just get a plain and simple Progress if you want to keep the cost down on a new adjustable razor. There is another option though, you could go out and find a Gillette Slim from the 60s. They are still reasonably cheap, I think I paid $35 for mine.

DSC02181.jpg



I know a lot of people are scared off of old razors because they are used, but they are all metal construction and clean up just like the silverware we use and a quick soak in some barbicide disinfects them. Right now all my razors are vintage, with the newest being the Slim.
 
unky_gumbi said:
Just get a plain and simple Progress if you want to keep the cost down on a new adjustable razor. There is another option though, you could go out and find a Gillette Slim from the 60s. They are still reasonably cheap, I think I paid $35 for mine.

DSC02181.jpg



I know a lot of people are scared off of old razors because they are used, but they are all metal construction and clean up just like the silverware we use and a quick soak in some barbicide disinfects them. Right now all my razors are vintage, with the newest being the Slim.
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I have noticed from reading other threads that you seem to prefer Gillettes. Is there any reason or reasons in particular?
 
I'll second the Slim. It was my first razor and still the one that I use the the most often. They are still relatively easy and cheap to come by.
 
I use them because they give a good shave, and I like the way they feel in my hand. Then there are the little things that have to do with more of a mental state than the razors performance. I like to get nostalgic about the times the razors came from even though I am younger than most of my razors. My oldest are from 1921, and to think of the changes the world has gone through in the 91 years, yet these DE razors are still here and doing the same job they did when they were made.

I think that my lust for times gone by is related to the fact that I live in a town that shows no history, in 1954 the town was moved to make way for the St Lawrence Seaway project. Some of the houses were moved, but none of the important buildings like the town hall, schools, and main street businesses made the move leaving the town kind of bland. For more information on the area I live it check out this, there were 10 towns lost, one partially lost and one moved in the name of progress. I find it an interesting story, but I live here so I guess I would.
 
Yes. I like finding and using things well made from the past-- my Grandfather's era. I find these items (shaving ) reflect a different mind set and engineering. Items from his generation were made to last generations not merely a lifetime. Made to be passed down with pride after using it a life time and it was still in good shape. My Nephew's can tell you the price of most anything but know the value of nothing. If they lose it or let it rust and degrade because of improper maintenance or the lack thereof. So, what just get a new one... Whereas, my Grandfathers taught us boys how to take care of things adding that it will last you a lifetime. This life lesson if applied today could still teach us much and help diminish our landfills. DM
 
gunfixrjoe said:
Hello there. Wanting to buy my first DE. After reviewing all of the posts here and a little online searching, I have decided to get a Merkur, but not sure which model. So, is there any model to definitely NOT buy?
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Hey there Gunfixr, tell you what, I've got a barely used Merkur 23C I'll send ya, gratis, if you want. I used it 3 times and found I prefer the silo doors of my TTO (Twist To Open, so when you see that term later you now know) Gillette Super speeds. It is the same head as the 38 I believe but with a longer handle. Save your money and buy a good brush, I'll send you everything else to get you started. It is a pretty mild razor with good behavior and the longer handle I found helps develop the light touch needed with a DE razor. I have several soaps and some creams I'll give you samples of so you can find out your best fit.

You can email me your contact info to fast14riot@gmail.com

Give me a few days to get everything cleaned up and portioned out and I'll drop it in the mail. Since I'm coming up on 2K posts I figure I should give back a little.


-Xander

Here's my razor I'll send you:

2011-10-20120411.jpg
 
Last edited:
fast14riot said:
Hey there Gunfixr, tell you what, I've got a barely used Merkur 23C I'll send ya, gratis, if you want. I used it 3 times and found I prefer the silo doors of my TTO (Twist To Open, so when you see that term later you now know) Gillette Super speeds. It is the same head as the 38 I believe but with a longer handle. Save your money and buy a good brush, I'll send you everything else to get you started. It is a pretty mild razor with good behavior and the longer handle I found helps develop the light touch needed with a DE razor. I have several soaps and some creams I'll give you samples of so you can find out your best fit.

You can email me your contact info to fast14riot@gmail.com

Give me a few days to get everything cleaned up and portioned out and I'll drop it in the mail. Since I'm coming up on 2K posts I figure I should give back a little.


-Xander

Here's my razor I'll send you:

2011-10-20120411.jpg
Click to expand...

This is an excellent razor. I use it half the time. The other half, I use the Mühle R41.
 
Blade forums is a very generous place, always seems to be someone willing to give a hand up:thumbup:
 
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